LIBRARIES across the county are to launch a tablet computer lending service for disadvantaged people.

As part of a £238,324 grant from Arts Council England, the scheme is to help those people tackle social isolation and improve digital literacy.

Up to one hundred 3G enabled tablets will be purchased for the year-long project and will be available for eligible residents throughout Hampshire for a four week loan period.

The tablets will be pre-loaded with relevant online library services, and useful applications linking to themes such as health and well being, money management, and information about local communities and services.

Five part-time co-ordinators will be recruited to run the project known as Library DOTS (Digital; Options, Training and Support) and train and support residents in using the tablets. The tablets will be targeted at people and places experiencing disadvantage, which will include social and digital isolation, lone parenting, people on low incomes, and people for whom English is not their first language.

It’s estimated around 770 library customers and their families will benefit. Residents will need to join the library to take part, if they’re not already members.

Cabinet member for culture, recreation and countryside, councillor Andrew Gibson, said: “This is wonderful news. Investment in digital technologies is a key part of our Library Strategy to ensure Hampshire Libraries meet customers’ demands for a modern service, including helping to reach disadvantaged communities.

"We also know how effective technology can be to tackle social isolation and connect people to the outside world. This funding from Arts Council England will help us improve levels of digital literacy, health and wellbeing in Hampshire.”

Hampshire Libraries were one of 30 local authority library services across the country to be awarded grants from the Libraries Opportunities for Everyone Innovation Fund; this is funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and designed and managed by Arts Council England.

The 12-month project will start as soon as the tablets have been purchased and the co-ordinators are in post.